BU University Rector: I Am Not Student Representative but Am Firmly Supporting Them

Rector Vladan Djokic (BETAPHOTO/MILAN OBRADOVIC)

Belgrade University Rector Vladan Djokic on April 11 denied that he is the representative of the protesting students seeking changes, but added that he “firmly” supports them, and the academic community “demanding the rule of law.”

In an Instagram post Djokic also said that the students are deciding on their organization and forms of action independently, and that no one “has the right to impose himself upon them.”

“In view of continuous efforts by certain actors to present me as the student leader or their representative, I feel I should underline once again that this is not the case. As a rector and one of the academic community representatives, I have the responsibility to contribute to understanding of what the universities and the entire society in Serbia are currently experiencing, as well as to protect the right of students and universities to a free, dignified and responsible action,” Djokic said.

He added that the students have his full support in their fight “for democratic principles and the public interest.”

“Since the beginning of the protests I have been supporting their demands and I believe that every responsible citizen of our country should strive after their fulfillment,” Djokic concluded.